September 2016 Roundup

White

Collevite Falerio Pecorino 2014 (#78046, $8.99)
Pecorino is the hottest white variety in Italy at the moment, and this is a great chance to get in on a 100% bottling from the grape’s home region for a killer price. Herbs, honey, apple, and the telltale bitterness on the finish all join the party here. (Mike)

Sant’Isidro Piedi Colli Verdicchio di Matelica 2014 (#44306, $15.99)
There’s a steely, saline kick that energizes the palate and keeps it lively. Like many whites, it stays the same from entrance to finish, yet closes well with a fresh, savory aftertaste. (Frank)

Castrum Vinum Pecorino 2015 (#49919, $22.99 / 3L)
Speaking of Pecorino, here’s a bag-in-box version from Abruzzo that lacks the richness and extraction of the aforementioned Collevite, yet packs a huge amount of acidity. Great mid-week quaffer. (Mike)

Nicolas Joly Savennieres Coulee De Serrant 2010 (#33610, $29.99)
This cultish white takes a little while to open up — I recommend decanting — but then shows serious complexity. Approach is sweet, cider-like, with mostly honey, then expands to include notes of soap, herbs, dirt, wax, smoke, tar, and lots more. Too much to even keep track of! It’s surprisingly tannic, a bit hot, and could probably pass for a red if blindfolded. A wine that typically retails for $60-80, it’s well worth seeking out at the PLCB sale price, even if quantities are limited statewide. (Mike)

Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2009 (#44308, $139.99)
Enormous acidity in this vintage; mouth-puckering. Fruit is more mature though, honeyed ripe apple, mulled spice. Big mineral note on the finish. An excellent wine with serious aging potential; I envy those with the scratch to afford it (for more than one reason). Winery featured in above photo. (Mike)

Rosé

L’Argentier Aramon Vielles Vignes 2015 (#99115, $11.99)
As copper colored as a new penny, made from once popular Aramon. Raspberry, strawberry, fragrant melon and tart cherry get a refreshing helping hand from vigorous acidity. My rosé find of the summer. (Frank)

Domaine de La Petite Cassagna Rosé Costieres de Nimes 2015 (#99119, $11.99)
A standout warm weather quaffer. With Cabernet and Syrah accounting for more than half the blend, there’s a bit more depth and fruit concentration than usual for a Rhône rosé. (Frank)

Red

Dominio de Artiga Tempranillo Reserva Valdepensa 2009 (#7817, $9.99)
Doesn’t have the depth or developing secondary characteristics expected in a reserve, even if it’s not a Rioja. The best way to describe this bland expression of the grape is drinkable, and you get what you pay for. (Frank)

Real Companhia Velha Porca de Murca Douro Tinto 2013 (#44301, $11.99)
A bold reminder that Portugal is the place to go for reds that punch above their price point. Firm tannins underscore notes of cherry, black pepper and a hint of pomegranate in this surprisingly complex offering. (Jason)

Arnaux et Fils Eglise du midi Seguret 2014 (#78165, $12.99)
A Seguret that bears some old school traces, reminds me of Cotes du Rhône places. The lightness and quality of a CDR Villages, with a direct, no frills approach that may not be a lushly textured palate-grabber but exudes restraint and finesse. (Frank)

Campi Valerio Opalia Tintilia del Molise 2011 (#78145, $13.99)
It’s hard to tell what an obscure grape like Tintilia is all about when it’s natural qualities are smothered by a blanket of sugary sweet oak and layers of vanilla. Not exactly a positive intro to a new varietal. (Frank)

Nicosia Etna Rosso 2013 (#78195, $14.99)
There’s a lovely lightness to this wine without sacrificing flavor. Nice amount of tarry secondary notes to add complexity too. And what a price, for an Etna. (Mike)

Cantina Tudernum Sagrantino di Montefalco 2008 (#78144, $16.99)
Though this is made by a large cantina that produces wines from all over Umbria — hence the great price — it’s still a nice expression of Sagrantino. For $17! (Mike)

Ciu Ciu Oppidum Rosso Marche 2011 (#78143, $16.99)
This is a great example of how good Montepulciano (the grape, from which this wine is exclusively made) can be when it is treated properly. It’s a rustic-meets-modern preparation, well-aged with a variety of savory characteristics alongside a kiss of vanilla. It’s balanced by still-tough tannins that require food, decanting, and, if desired, a few more years in the cellar. Stock up now and drink this winter. Incidentally, I wasn’t a big fan of the Rosso Piceno from the same producer at $13.99. (Mike)

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One of the co-founders of Pennsylvania Vine Company, Mike is a food & drink writer based in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. His work has appeared in publications such as Wine Enthusiast, Edible Philly and Philly Beer Scene, and he has achieved Core Certification from the National Wine School. Mike is obsessed with exploring Italian wines of all kinds, especially old-world-style bottles that feature savory, funky notes, achieve great balance and work well with food.